Help me find a perfect (for me) summer dress!

May 15, 2023 1:22 PM

Wants: knee-length or longer, mostly or all cotton, short sleeves or maybe a tank, scoop or v-neck, pockets, some kind of waist that has a drawstring or elastic that comes in or works being belted, available in solid colors beyond black and white, simple (not frilly or ruffly) shoulders, prefer sustainably made (or at least not fast fashion).

I'm looking for a simple summer dress that works for everyday weekend wear, maybe even work (in a casual environment), and in some colors, not just black. Washable, and line drying is fine. I'm open to prints, but I often don't like the prints that I see. I'm what's often called an apple shape, with a larger bust and waist. I'm open to things that aren't only or all cotton.

I like wrap dresses but they typically don't have pockets. I also like shirt dresses but they are often a bit more structured than what I'm thinking of for summer, but I'm open to that too. Smocking would be okay. I want some waist definition.

I don't want back cut-outs (this dress is okay but it seems short and I don't like that back). A lot of dresses have had poofy or ruffy shoulders lately, and I'd rather not have that.

I'm open to a tank dress, too, but would prefer short sleeves. No super thin straps; I will wear a regular bra with this and also don't want to have to slather sunscreen on my shoulders.

I ride my bike in the summer a lot, so I want something that allows me to move my legs. Fit and flare style works.

posted by bluedaisy to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (26 answers total)

Universal Standard have a range of styles that may work. Fully size inclusive (if that's relevant). None are very short, none are particularly ruffled at the shoulders. Most have pockets and come in colours. Several have defined waists. Plenty would work for work, especially with slightly more formal accessories. Not the cheapest dresses you'll find mind.
posted by koahiatamadl at 1:33 PM on May 15, 2023 [2 favorites]

Look at Everlane.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 1:51 PM on May 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

Have you looked at Pact?
posted by music for skeletons at 2:05 PM on May 15, 2023

I think Boden will have what you like. See this or this or this. If you want to go used, their Blackberry dress was my ideal summer dress and there's still some on the resale sites.
posted by notjustthefish at 2:23 PM on May 15, 2023

I bought this drawstring dress from Yevu recently and I love it. They exclusively have patterns--loud patterns--but are cotton, lightweight, and pocketed.

That said, I think this Amazon dress is more the style you're looking for. I have a couple of them and I like them a LOT. Unfortunately not 100% cotton though.
posted by phunniemee at 2:28 PM on May 15, 2023 [2 favorites]

This Marine Layer dress has a good amount of coverage, not too ruffle-y sleeves, and pockets. Print variants. Not sure how tall you are but I'm on the shorter side and this would come to about my knees.
posted by missmobtown at 2:32 PM on May 15, 2023

eShakti is the place for you! You can pretty much customize whatever you want from their template designs.

Right now, as I look at their front page, I can see at least three styles that could definitely work with what you describe.
posted by rpfields at 2:33 PM on May 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: To address a few specific suggestions: I looked at Universal Standard, Pact, and Everlane and didn't see anything that met what I'm looking for, so if folks have specific suggestions of items from those retailers, please link them.
posted by bluedaisy at 2:42 PM on May 15, 2023

Maybe something you might like here?

This one from Everlane hits the mark, no? Skirt is cotton, bodice is viscose.

This is good but no pockets.

Another. If you are open to linen
posted by amaire at 2:46 PM on May 15, 2023

Response by poster: amaire, the Everlane dress it's pretty close! I'd rather have sleeves but that's flexible. It's available in black and what they call beech, which looks brown or olive to me, so it's not exactly available in a range of colors. Part of the problem is that I'm finding lots of black dresses, and I really want some color. So that limited color option is really the issue with that design.
posted by bluedaisy at 2:55 PM on May 15, 2023

maybe try Deva By Cammy: they're going out of business so it's a good chance. I have several dresses from them that I love for light summer wear.
posted by The otter lady at 3:13 PM on May 15, 2023

Oh, and seconding eShakti-- make sure the fabric is the kind you want, but otherwise, they're amazing. Made to fit your measurements, really quality construction, and POCKETS!!
posted by The otter lady at 3:18 PM on May 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

Wardrobe Oxygen JUST did a post about spring dresses. Some of her suggestions are too expensive for me, but they will give you ideas and starting points.

Also; I loved eShakti, but recently I've been on clothing communities where a LOT of people are complaining about lost orders, extra long wait times, and poor customer service. Just an FYI.
posted by annieb at 3:37 PM on May 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

All of the dresses from Tuesday of California are your preferred silhouette and I'm pretty sure they all have pockets.

The price point is not the most affordable ever but it is an indie label by a super talented illustrator (so the prints are awesome) with a focus on quality and fit and the best part is that they are sweatshop free. I have a totally amazing satin bomber jacket from a previous collection and it's beautifully made.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 4:04 PM on May 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

SvahaUSA, possibly? Each of the Grace dress, Katherine dress, and Rachel dress collections has at least one solid-color offering that isn't black.
posted by humbug at 4:14 PM on May 15, 2023

I have some similar criteria -- here's where I look:

- as mentioned many times above, eShakti
- for interesting science-themed patterns and some solids, all cotton, mostly with waists, Svaha (XS-5XL)
- almost all cotton, almost all with pockets: Effie's Heart (XS-XL)
- many cotton, some with pockets, explicitly fair trade: Mata Traders (XS-XL)
- not cotton, but many with pockets and super lightweight: Karina Dresses (XXS-4XL)
- on the athleisure side, some designs by Toad & Co (XS-XL) are cotton with pockets and a waist, eg the Cue line, which you can find previous years's versions of all over resale sites
posted by nonane at 4:19 PM on May 15, 2023 [4 favorites]

Seconding nonane's Toad & Co cue dress recommendation. I have it in a blue print that has become my summer outing dress. Super comfortable, flattering, pockets, easy to wash and dry, big fan.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 4:22 PM on May 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

eshakti is good because if you find something made out of great fabric but it's too short or the sleeves are insane--like puff sleeves, for instance--you can almost always make it long enough and sometimes you can get rid of the sleeves. For almost all of the dresses they let you change length, and for many you can pick a different sleeve style and neckline. Sometimes if the shape is right but the fabric isn't, you can sub in another fabric.

(eshakti's idea of "knee length" and mine are different, so I always ask for "below the knee.")

They will remake it for you if it turns out not to fit as you wanted. I never take them up on it, though. Makes me cringe to think of sending the dang thing across the sea again, and it's usually me messing up something.
posted by Don Pepino at 5:35 PM on May 15, 2023

April Cornell makes the most gorgeous summer dresses, with pockets!
posted by Enid Lareg at 5:38 PM on May 15, 2023

Just saw the Company Store caftan - can't vouch for their clothing (yet... this was an intriguing find for myself)
posted by paradeofblimps at 6:48 PM on May 15, 2023 [2 favorites]

There are several dresses at REI that I think would fit your criteria. Most of them have at least a few colors to choose from.
posted by corey flood at 7:33 PM on May 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

I'm a megafan of Zuri dresses. They don't have a defined waist, but look great belted. Tons of super patterns but there are a bunch of solids here.
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:58 PM on May 15, 2023 [1 favorite]

I got you: Bonfire dress from Title Nine. They have some other nice ones too.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 12:16 PM on May 16, 2023

Cuffed Dolman Sleeve Dress

U AIRism Cotton Belted Long Dress

Women's Summer Knit Dress, Short-Sleeve Print
posted by oceano at 2:46 PM on May 16, 2023

Bluedaisy, I know Universal Standard was recommended but I think this dress in particular fits the bill - short sleeves, pockets, knee length, color, defined waist.
posted by frizzle at 9:47 AM on May 21, 2023

wool& amalya - https://wooland.com/products/amalya-button-front-dress-berry-pink
posted by healthytext at 12:02 PM on June 12, 2023